Portsmouth boss details remit for new defender as January player hunt continues

Pompey will focus their January defender hunt on a specialist centre-half.

And boss John Mousinho has revealed his thinking over likely steering away from a more versatile option at the back in the January transfer window.

The Blues are actively pursuing a new recruit to go into the back four, before the close of the winter window on February 1.

That has been the case since losing the services of key figure Regan Poole with a season-ending knee injury, at the start of November.

Pompey have since been hit by the news of Zak Swanson being ruled out, as the former Arsenal man this week underwent a second operation for a groin injury.

That leaves Joe Rafferty as the only orthodox right-back available, as the season enters a crucial period. Mousinho is not anticipating a new face being able to fill both roles, however, with his preference for a standout specialist in one area.

He said: ‘They (versatile players) are difficult players to find.

‘Regan had the capability to play as a centre-half and right-back as well, but apart from that the three centre-halves at the club are out-and-out centre-halves.

‘I’m not saying they wouldn’t be able to do a job in other positions, but their strengths are towards playing there.

‘I know Conor Shaughnessy can play in the middle of the park, but we’ve shown this year his best position is centre-back. If a player like that pops up then great, but they are few and bar between.

‘Also for the most part players who specialise in one position tend to be the ones you want to go after.

‘We’ll take someone who can play in a multitude of positions, but they are hard to find. We’ll be flexible and adjust, but players who can play in one position are the ones to go for.’